Mohun Bagan sitting on top of the South Zone group and a star studded squad entered the arena as the clear cut favourites but were up against Bashundhara side unbeaten at home and were all set to spoil the mariner`s party. Mohun Bagan started the game with 5 foreigners as Dimi Petratos was left on the bench as Juan opted to go upfront with the lethal duo of Sadiku and Cummings . To counter Bagan attacks , Oscar Bruzon set his team to a 4-2-3-1 formation with 6 foreigners starting for them, their lethal Brazilian trio of Robson , Miguel and Dorielton all ready for putting up the fight up against the mighty Bagan side.
Starting XI for the day.#JoyMohunBagan #AFCCup pic.twitter.com/6upBRrTYkW
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) November 7, 2023
With the support of the vibrant Bashundhara crowd , the home team started on the front foot by launching quick attacks from the flanks starting from the first minute but was not able to capitalise . Mohun Bagan on the other side was soaking in the attacks and observing Bashundhara`s game plan and also trying to attack from the flanks . Oscar , who have already spotted Bagan`s defensive weakness through the middle channel , hit the sweetest spot where he used his two magicians Robson and Miguel to attack the central spaces. Bagan team already without a defensive midfielder in the starting 11 , started to have problems as pressure increases on Anirudh Thapa and Hector Yuste . Sahal and Boumous were given free roles who were working hard to create chances but the defensive midfield duo of Asror Gafurov and Jean Brossou of Bashundhara were tough figures to break . Subhashish Bose meanwhile launched a through ball for Cummings down the left channel who immediately crossed it in for sadiku but a mis-communication between Bashundhara goalkeeper Srabon and defender Yuldashov didn`t help the goalkeeper to collect the ball as the ball fell in the path of the onrushing Liston Colaco , who made the scoreline 1-0 in the 17th minute. Thereafter , Miguel and Robson made various attempts to break down Bagan defense , but a compact bagan defense was making the job tougher for Bashundhara kings. At the stroke of half-time , Miguel , who was lurking on just top of the received a precise pass from Jean Brossou from the right flank , with acres of empty space around him , he just turned a launched a worldie and a half at the top right corner , totally out of Vishal kaith's reach . The teams went into the tunnel with the half time score reading 1-1.
It's Half Time at the Kings Arena, Bangladesh. #JoyMohunBagan #BDKMBSG pic.twitter.com/3m2E92i03s
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) November 7, 2023
The second half began on a familiar note as Mohun Bagan pushed forward with intent in search of the golden goal , that could ensure their qualification for the next round of AFC cup , but Bashundhara had other plans. Juan introduced Glan Martins in place of Sadiku just after the hour mark to stronger the shield over the pressurized Mohun Bagan defense . As the pressure of defending began to increase on Anirudh Thapa , the defense looked shaky. Bashundhara's high pressing paid off when Jean Brossou pressed Cummings to loose the ball some yards away from the centre line deep in the Mohun Bagan half, who then laid it off for Dorielton, who calmly faked past three Bagan defenders to lay it off for onrushing Robson , who calmly slots it home at the bottom right corner , beyond Vishal Kaith's reach. The goal would eventually went on to became the match winner for Bashundhara. After that goal , Juan introduced Ashis Rai and Kiyan Nassiri to add fire to the attack but was of no use before the Bashundhara defense.The match ended 2 -1 for Bashundhara. With this win , though on same points, Bashundhara moved to the top of the South Zone group all thanks to better head to head record. With this defeat, Mohun Bagan are now in utter trouble as they now have to must win their remaining 2 matches as well as hoping for Bashundhara to drop points to have a chance to qualify for the next round.
— Mohun Bagan FT (@MBFT89) November 7, 2023
In big continental matches , the matches are won or lost at the midfield, Mohun Bagan having many star players missed the crucial role of an effective defensive midfielder of screening the defense. Anirudh Thapa, a good midfielder with attacking threat was given more of the defensive duties that affected his gameplay and the overall rhythm of the team and both the goals scored against Bagan were a resultant of the free spaces allowed above the Mohun Bagan defense. The Mohun Bagan midfield failed to contain the dynamic duo of Robson and Miguel as well as breaking down the double pivot of Asror Gafurov and Jean Brossou. With all club fixtures coming to an halt as we head into an international break , it will be a crucial time for the team and the coach to try an rectify all the mistakes committed. Juan will also have to think about other combinations and plans that would grind out results under any circumstances . The Mariners will again return to the field on 27th of November, 2023 in an all important AFC cup clash against Odisha FC at home in an very important fixture for both the sides.
Player ratings from MBFT:-
Vishal kaith - 6/10
Could not have done much for the goals conceded otherwise a pretty solid figure in goal.
Brendan Hamill - 6/10
Kept a check on crossing from his side and moved the ball forward pretty well but was not efficient in keeping the ball out.
Hector Yuste - 5/10
Allowed to much free space on top of the box and was totally wrong footed for both the goals conceded, a rare poor outing from him.
Subhasish Bose - 5/10
A quite and ineffective outing from the captain, was sloppy in possession and allowed to much space from his side .
Liston Colaco - 8/10
Was a treat to watch on the left flank , his slow confidence regain can be seen in his touches , scored the only goal for his side .
Manvir Singh - 6/10
Was thriving in a wing back role but somehow has under-performed in this match , couldn't effect the game from his side and was much more focused on defending
Anirudh Thapa - 6/10
Was deployed in a unusual Defensive midfielder role , which affected his role and team's overall gameplay as the control of midfield was totally lost.
Hugo Boumous - 7/10
Was on charge of all the creative department of the team . He also had additional duties in absence of Dimi petratos , returning from fever he started where he left off by tormenting defenders with his precise through ball or runs and dragging defenders out of position.
Sahal Abdul Samad - 7/10
Was a treat to watch in the middle of the park by pairing up with Hugo Boumous. Showcased his technical ability in passing and receiving the ball quite a few times.
Armando Sadiku - 5/10
Another poor performance from the experienced campaigner , he needs to polish up his scoring boots as soon as possible otherwise much harsher criticism and decision will hit him soon.
Jason Cummings - 5/10
A rare bad outing from the star signing of the season , moved well but was ineffective. He was the one to cross the ball quickly into the box that resulted in Mohun Bagan's only goal of the match.
Substitutes:-
Glan Martins - 5/10
Came in for Armando Sadiku, added steel to the middle of the park but was ineffective in preventing Bashundhara from scoring the second goal.
Ashish Rai - 6/10
Came in for Anirudh Thapa and added steel to the defense as well as venturing forward but was ineffective all throughout.
Kiyan Nassiri - 6/10
Was brought in , in place of sahal to add pace to the frontline, was lively throughout his stay on the pitch.
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